DLC

DLC stands for Downloadable Content; additional material that is purchased or acquired separately from the disc-based version. Some Mass Effect 3 content, like the bonuses acquired from the iOS game Mass Effect Infiltrator is shared via a player's EA Origins online account (this is separate from your Xbox Live or PlayStation ID).

The Dark Horse-published Art of the Mass Effect 3 Universe book includes in-game bonuses. Readers will earn themselves a DLC code for the Collector Assault Rifle, which also came as a bonus in the Mass Effect 2 Collector's Edition. You can only score this PC- and Xbox 360-exclusive weapon (and other unspecified content) by pre-ordering The Art of the Mass Effect Universe from Barnes & Noble before February 20.

BigBadToyStore has revealed that their upcoming line of Mass Effect figurines will include an added bonus for fans in the way of downloadable content. Each of the new 6.7" to 7.25" figures from the second series of the set (Miranda, Mordin, Legion, and Garrus) will include a card packed in with an access code for downloadable content for the game. The official description reads:

This product contains a code that can be redeemed for bonus content for Mass Effect 3 multi-player that could include powerful weapons to take on the Reapers. The pack could also include character boosters, weapon modifications, and weapon upgrades to make your multiplayer squad stronger.

Unfortunately for PS3 owners, the content only applies to the PC and Xbox 360 versions of the game.

On January 11, 2011, EA announced a crossover between Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Mass Effect 3. Playing the demo for Kingdoms of Amalur unlocks two Reckoning-inspired in-game items in Mass Effect 3, while playing the Mass Effect 3 demo unlocks armor and a weapon in Kingdoms of Amalur.